Hamburg Senate affirms policy after citizens reject Olympic bid

A citywide referendum in Hamburg resulted in a clear majority voting against the city’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The red‑green Senate, led by Mayor Peter Tschentscher and Deputy Mayor Katharina Fegebank, stressed that the defeat does not undermine their broader agenda and that the decision was expected given local scepticism. They pledged to continue projects linked to the original bid, including the planned new stadium beside the Volksparkstadion, and to redirect potential Olympic funds toward grassroots sport initiatives.

Statistical analysis showed wealthier districts such as HafenCity, Nienstedten and Blankenese voted more in favour of the Games, while districts with lower average incomes, including Veddel, Kleiner Grasbrook and Steinwerder, recorded the strongest opposition. Sports Senator Andy Grote confirmed that the new stadium will proceed regardless of the referendum outcome, while the NOlympia initiative proposes using any freed‑up funding for local sport facilities.